Israeli, Palestinian doctors work in peace at Jerusalem hospital

Hadassah Mount Scopus hospital in Jerusalem is an oasis of coexistence, with Arab and Jewish doctors working alongside each other, treating both Palestinians and Israelis. Nathan Frandino reports.

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Inside Hadassah University Mount Scopus Hospital, it's not unusual to see yamaka-wearing Jews sitting or strolling alongside Hijab-wearing Muslims.
And amid a month-long wave of violence, a place of peace, free from politics is needed now more than ever... especially for head of surgery, Professor Ahmed Eid and head of anesthesiology and critical care, Dr. Jochanan Schiffman.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROFESSOR AHMED EID, HEAD OF SURGERY DEPARTMENT AT HADASSAH UNIVERSITY MOUNT SCOPUS HOSPITAL, SAYING:
"We don't really think about who we are treating. We are focused on saving lives of patients, preventing death, that's all."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DOCTOR JOCHANAN SCHIFFMAN, HEAD OF ANESTHESIOLOGY AND CRITICAL CARE AT HADASSAH UNIVERSITY MOUNT SCOPUS HOSPITAL, SAYING:
"We don't know who the victims are, or the attackers. We get the casualties or the injured people, and they come to the emergency room. We don't discriminate who is who."
So far casualties include at least 67 Palestinians and 11 Israelis since October 1st.
Many others have been injured.
The soaring tensions have helped Hadassah stand out as a symbol of coexistence, and for hospital director, Doctor Osnat Lev Zion Korah, a beacon of peace.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DOCTOR OSNAT LEV ZION KORAH, DIRECTOR OF HADASSAH UNIVERSITY MOUNT SCOPUS HOSPITAL, SAYING:
"No matter where he comes from, what he did and what the reason that he is here for. He is treated according to his medical condition. And we are very proud to say that we here at Hadassah, show that coexistence works and we truly believe that medicine is a bridge to peace."
And that bridge, she hopes, will one day extend beyond the hospital halls.

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